From July 15 through July 20, Read to Grow Johnston County will celebrate National Summer Learning Week by hosting its 4th annual Paw for Reading Events. All week long, children up to age eight will have the chance to adopt a stuffed pet and promise to read to them for 20 minutes a day throughout the summer. Each event will have a reading from a guest speaker, including local mayors, council members and community leaders. These events are free and do not require registration. Paws for Reading Event Information July 15 Kenly Library, 2-4 p.m. July 16 Smithfield Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Four Leaf Clover, Benson, 11 a.m. to noon Princeton Public Library, 9-10 a.m July 17 Partnership for Children Park, Smithfield, 10-11 a.m. Benson Public Library, 10-11 a.m. July 18 Clayton Public Library, 3-4 p.m. Sarah Yard Center, Smithfield, 3-4 p.m. July 19 Johnston Court, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. July 20 Raiford Street Park, Selma, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  

The Kenly Public Library is hosting a mystery story reader who will give away a free book and stuffed toy. Register in person or via email at kenly.library@townofkenly.com.

The Kenly Public Library is hosting Sylvan Bird Park's "Perilous Journeys." This is an all ages presentation with a live bird. Register in person or via email at kenly.library@townofkenly.com.

Beat the heat with Clayton Parks and Recreation and free popsicles in the park.

Johnston County resident Carol L. Dougherty is doing a book signing and an informal Q & A, for her recently published "Smiling at Grief: A Sapphic Romance," at The Story Keeper Bookstore, Friday, July 26 from 4-6 pm. It will be followed immediately by a reading from her book at the Triangle East Writers Open Mic at the bookstore, from 6-8 pm. Other writers will read or in some cases offer music or storytelling at the Open Mic. All are welcome to both events. The book answers the question: can an opening night encounter ignite an unexpected love? Kate sparks an instant connection with Pen, fueled by mutual attraction and a shared passion for the theatre. Through fiery, intense rehearsal rooms and double edged-banter, Pen is forced to confront challenges of the past and present and redefine her art to try desperately to win the woman she loves. In the world of stage lights and theatre magic, Pen’s story unfolds in her own voice, inviting readers into the unguarded intimacy of her life onstage and off. A low to medium-low heat/fade-to-black sapphic romance. All are invited to meet the author, buy a signed copy of the book, and join an informal question and answer session. Immediately following the book signing/Q & A is the monthly Triangle East Writers Open Mic night, in which all can participate with a reading, a story, a song, or come simply to listen and enjoy. Carol L. Dougherty (she/her – aka Doc) has worked in professional theatre with the Berkshire Theater Festival, the Three Rivers Shakespeare Festival and City Theatre Company. Her other publications include: "The Santiago Inheritance," "How Full of Briers: The Organizational Structure of the Non-Profit Theatre Corporation" and "100 Ways to Improve Your Writing," by Gary Provost (Carol was Co-Editor of the updated 2019 edition with Gail Provost Stockwell).

Ben Fuller is live in Kenly! Don't miss this unforgettable night ofmusic and inspiration. All proceeds support our community. https://comfortshieldofnc.com/ben-fuller/ https://www.facebook.com/events/905318828044817/